I bought a TJ VR-X a few months ago with 200k on the clock. The car is great but I'm not too impressed with the suspension on it at the moment. The car is very low, just on legal height, so the ride is understandably pretty rough, but it shouldnt be as bad as it is. I have an annoying suspensoin rattle both in the front and rear when I go over bumps. The steering also shakes violently when I corner at speed. The whole suspension system just constantly creaks and groans so I've decided it's got to go.

I'm not sure what springs/shocks are on there at the moment but I am looking to replace the whole setup. Can someone please recommend what parts to get to redo the whole setup from scratch and also where to get them.

I'm in Adelaide.

Check out our sponsors www.rpw.com.au. Go to price guide and download the latest pdf file.

I've got the whitleline "works" kit on mine with the flatout springs (superlow). Highly recommended! I don't think their superlows are as low as some, but they were devoleped to perform as well as the low springs. They are a good height in my opinion.
The works kit for TJ magna's includes whiteline springs, Koni adjustable shocks, whiteline swaybars and bushes. You've already got factory swaybars on your VRX, but these ones are bigger. 24mm front and 22mm adjustable rear.
My suspension is probably my favourite mod I've done to my car. It handles really well, and the stiffer you set the rear sway bar, the more you can dial out the understeer.
Check out whiteline's website (http://www.whiteline.com.au) to find a stockist near you.

I've got the whitleline "works" kit on mine with the flatout springs (superlow). Highly recommended! I don't think their superlows are as low as some, but they were devoleped to perform as well as the low springs. They are a good height in my opinion.
The works kit for TJ magna's includes whiteline springs, Koni adjustable shocks, whiteline swaybars and bushes. You've already got factory swaybars on your VRX, but these ones are bigger. 24mm front and 22mm adjustable rear.
My suspension is probably my favourite mod I've done to my car. It handles really well, and the stiffer you set the rear sway bar, the more you can dial out the understeer.
Check out whiteline's website (http://www.whiteline.com.au) to find a stockist near you.

Thanks for that.

I've heard nothing but good things about the Whiteline suspension kits so that was my initial consideration. After checking out the website it looks like they dont sell the full kits for the magna any more though. I cant check at the moment (at work) so I could be wrong though.

I'm sure they would still sell them. I had a look at the site, I think they might be working on it or something. There's no link to the PDF with the kit on it. I'll try and find my invoice with the part number for the kit later on. Best bet would be to give them a call.

Take it to a suspension place and get them to do a $40 check up, chances are you probably have just a worn strut or two causing the whole problem. Fulcrum do a very good check for free too!

I'm sure they would still sell them. I had a look at the site, I think they might be working on it or something. There's no link to the PDF with the kit on it. I'll try and find my invoice with the part number for the kit later on. Best bet would be to give them a call.

I just gave them a call and they were able to give me all the part numbers of everything that's in the works kit so I can just order them seperately if I decide to go with Whiteline. They never actually gave any discount for ordering as a kit anyway apparently.

I just gave them a call and they were able to give me all the part numbers of everything that's in the works kit so I can just order them seperately if I decide to go with Whiteline. They never actually gave any discount for ordering as a kit anyway apparently.

Yeah I just found my invoice from MRT Performance in Sydney. There isn't a number on it for the kit, just individual ones like you said.
Just checked their website again and it looks like you're right. The part number for the kit is KMAG01XL, but it says item not available. You should still be able to get all the parts like they said. The full kit included:
front and rear shocks
front and rear springs
24mm front sway bar
22mm adj rear sway bar
camber adj kit - shim type
camber adjust bolt kit - 12mm

All up, mine was $2300 fitted at MRT including wheel alignment.
Good luck, and let me know if there's anything there you don't have numbers for.

Get in touch with our Sponsors Philcom Rally and look into the Hotbits Coilovers. There is Street and Race. Comes with adjustable height, rebound, damper and some other stuff i don't know. All i know that have them highly recommend it.

It sounds like you have lowered springs but original struts.


The nasty bumps in the front are from your bumpstops being worn out. I know cause I am replacing mine soon.

So you could just get the struts replaced with KYBs or similar, and new bumpstops.

Or go the whole hog and get a full whiteline kit, but expect it to drive like a gocart afterward, not that thats a bad thing.:2cool:

new shocks, springs and a thick rear sway bar will make a huge difference!

no use upgrading the front as its already a 23mm item, and the biggest aftermarket for the magna is 24mm, and its just going to induce understeer.

Check out our sponsors www.rpw.com.au. Go to price guide and download the latest pdf file.

Since when is RPW a site sponsor????

Since when is RPW a site sponsor????
They're affilliated in some way aren't they? I know when I rang them and Phillcom for some prices on suspension, RPW were cheaper. :confused:

If anyone who has put the sports or works Whiteline kits on their Magna has the part names/numbers that would be a great help. I'm finding it hard to know exactly what parts I should be putting together to get a rough price.

They're affilliated in some way aren't they? I know when I rang them and Phillcom for some prices on suspension, RPW were cheaper. :confused:

that only because RPW were being wankers to phillcom or something. and then theres 2 lots of shipping not just one and it all got crazy :nuts:

depending on ur budget, Hotbits Coilovers are the way to go. the ultimate in handling for your car.

everyone that has them, loves them. in fact the only person that doesnt like them is SYNERGY..... but meh, he drives like a b1tch anyways! :D

They're affilliated in some way aren't they?

RPW won't sponsor this site unfortunately...

RPW won't sponsor this site unfortunately...
Oh, well they're still makers of all things Magna. :D

depending on ur budget, Hotbits Coilovers are the way to go. the ultimate in handling for your car.

everyone that has them, loves them. in fact the only person that doesnt like them is SYNERGY..... but meh, he drives like a b1tch anyways! :D

coilovers arent really worth it unless you buy decent ones though? theyre just more likely to break etc. if cheaper. and heaps of people have had problems with hotbits coilovers?

coilovers arent really worth it unless you buy decent ones though? theyre just more likely to break etc. if cheaper. and heaps of people have had problems with hotbits coilovers?
Coilovers arn't really worth it unless you need the fine tuning or the maccas carpark wank factor. I was always under the impression coilovers were for racing?

A set of koni/kyb/monroe shocks and low stiff springs will make it handle nice without the rough harsh ride of coilovers and for a fraction of the price.

I said it earlier, but you should go get the suspension checked out. It could be just a sloppy ball joint or a clapped out strut causing all your dramas. It will end up being a 100-300 dollar fix instead of replacing every component of the suspension.

Coilovers arn't really worth it unless you need the fine tuning or the maccas carpark wank factor. I was always under the impression coilovers were for racing?

A set of koni/kyb/monroe shocks and low stiff springs will make it handle nice without the rough harsh ride of coilovers and for a fraction of the price.

Might have to look into some of these combos. Finally worked out the price upgrading with Whiteline parts and it will be $1380 for shocks and springs and another $580 for the handling pack. All labour exclusive. Might as well get coilovers if I am going to spend that much.

I'm no rev head. I just want a nice balance of firm/comfortable ride that is quiet and low enough to look good. Nothing too flash.


I said it earlier, but you should go get the suspension checked out. It could be just a sloppy ball joint or a clapped out strut causing all your dramas. It will end up being a 100-300 dollar fix instead of replacing every component of the suspension.

I have already taken it to a suspension place. I wasnt able to be there while they took it for a drive unfortunately so I had to try and explain the problems over the phone. In the end they guy said that the suspension was relatively fine and wouldnt recommend doing anything. He said he couldnt hear the rattle during his drive and didnt get any of the shaking in the steering either.

That's why I am in two minds about whether to upgrade the suspension. The suspension place thinks it is ok but personally I disagree. I guess I should get a second opinion before going ahead with anything.

Coilovers arn't really worth it unless you need the fine tuning or the maccas carpark wank factor. I was always under the impression coilovers were for racing?


also if you want to be able to change the height of your car for some reason. (set them up for the right height for your driveway or something) and you still get fantastic handeling

If anyone who has put the sports or works Whiteline kits on their Magna has the part names/numbers that would be a great help. I'm finding it hard to know exactly what parts I should be putting together to get a rough price.

Here's the part numbers for the parts in my whiteline works kit (flatout/superlow):

1101402 rear shocks (single)
1302602 front shocks (single)
73163 springs (pair)
73190 springs (pair)
KCA357 Camber adj kit - shim type
KCA412 Camber adj bolt kit - 12mm
BMF43 Front 24mm swaybar
BMR70Z Rear 22mm adj swaybar


And the ride isn't as harsh as some would have you believe. It's quite firm, but very easy to live with. The only dramas I have is steep driveways or big, raised manhole covers, but you soon learn how to tackle them/avoid them. Definitely worth the upgrade. Handling is brilliant with this kit and some decent tyres.

also if you want to be able to change the height of your car for some reason. (set them up for the right height for your driveway or something) and you still get fantastic handeling
I agree! The main reason coilovers help handling is because they have stiffer springs (thank your cheapo king lows and superlows) and effectivly act as a anti-lift setup by not drooping far at all. Height adjustibility is handy but of all my friends cars with them, they never get adjusted but thats because they are set about 50mm lowered for handling, not 60-70mm lowered for looks

I agree! The main reason coilovers help handling is because they have stiffer springs (thank your cheapo king lows and superlows) and effectivly act as a anti-lift setup by not drooping far at all. Height adjustibility is handy but of all my friends cars with them, they never get adjusted but thats because they are set about 50mm lowered for handling, not 60-70mm lowered for looks

yeah mine are set at as low as Petes driveway will let them. wich isn't a lot lower. but handeling is very good

Might have to look into some of these combos. Finally worked out the price upgrading with Whiteline parts and it will be $1380 for shocks and springs and another $580 for the handling pack. All labour exclusive. Might as well get coilovers if I am going to spend that much.

I'm no rev head. I just want a nice balance of firm/comfortable ride that is quiet and low enough to look good. Nothing too flash.




seriously dude, if parts alone are gonna cost you that much you may as well go for coilovers.

aside from JUST the ability to lower and raise the car, you will also have the ability to adjust dampener as well.

WTCHME used to have Whiteline's The WOrks kit in his car. three days after going for a drive in mine, he bought a set of coilovers.




and TC, how is the ability to setup the way I want my car to handle, related to "maccas carpark wank factor"?

You can adjust the damper rate with the whiteline kit too. The shocks are Koni adjustables. One pair is internally adjustable and the other is externally. Not sure which way around.
The question is, are you really gonna get in there and bother with that? Find a good installer, tell them what you want out of your suspension and let them set it up for you when they install it. How many people are really gonna fiddle around with their damper rate once it's installed?

Would if I Could

How many people are really gonna fiddle around with their damper rate once it's installed?

i do it all the time.

and coilovers are externally adjustable.

and TC, how is the ability to setup the way I want my car to handle, related to "maccas carpark wank factor"?
When its for setting up the car the way you want it for your drive to work or maccas carpark then its related.

If its for track use where those settings make a timed difference and dont just "feel" better then I'm all for it.

You can hardly feel a difference between the settings on those cheap coilovers anyway. Also to have truly adjustable suspension you will need to have a handful of springs which you change to get the best performance. You would also need adjustable up and down control.

Height and dampening arn't something I consider useful on a road car thats all, especially for the price of even cheap coilovers.

When its for setting up the car the way you want it for your drive to work or maccas carpark then its related.

If its for track use where those settings make a timed difference and dont just "feel" better then I'm all for it.
So I can't have my car setup the way I like without being a wanker, unless I'm on the track with a stop watch? If I want to have control over the way my car handles on a public road, and set it up so it feels better for me to drive, its just for 'wank factor' and nothing else? Riiiight... :nuts:

So I can't have my car setup the way I like without being a wanker, unless I'm on the track with a stop watch? If I want to have control over the way my car handles on a public road, and set it up so it feels better for me to drive, its just for 'wank factor' and nothing else? Riiiight... :nuts:

BINGO!

so according to TC in order to put anything in your car, it has to be strictly for track use only, and if its not for track then u belong in the 'maccas car park wank factor' category - regardless of how you like your car to ride and handle and perform and look......:nuts:




TC, you should've never come back man. i was all set to give you the benefit of the doubt, but....... how bout you do us all a favour and re-ban yourself?

I have modded suspension - SportsRyder, Whiteline adj rear bar, front strut bar. 235/45/17 tyres. I'm used to drive it and consider it safe, very safe.
The other day - guys, promise u don't ban me for this story - I drove new Dunnydoor V6 Alloytech, not the SV 6. It had RE92 tyres. Myyy gooodness!!! Just a normal tight left turn and sudden braking, not hard, and the ***-end of the car came knocking at the driver's window! Also, at higher, 110, speeds I was "bracing" my self to avoid any sudden steering movements to keep it on the road. No, there is nothing damaged on that car. It's just the way standard (Aussie?) cars "handle". This was just another confirmation, why in my almost 30 yrs of driving, I have always had car with, not just "modified" but safety suspension.

Yeah, I think too, that TC's comment is bit unnecessary in this case.


-it has to be strictly for track use only, and if its not for track then u belong in the 'maccas car park wank factor' category-

TC, you should've never come back man. i was all set to give you the benefit of the doubt, but....... how bout you do us all a favour and re-ban yourself?
No dude, there is a difference between having good suspension and having overkill suspension.

Coilovers for road use are overkill, and probably end up being worse handling for a street car than a good set of kyb struts and lowered springs. That is what I am trying to say.

Coilover spring rates are VERY high, they are designed for track use where the track is very flat. Throw corners that are bumpy in to the mix and you spend more time in the air than on the track, which doesn't help cornering.

No dude, there is a difference between having good suspension and having overkill suspension.

Coilovers for road use are overkill, and probably end up being worse handling for a street car than a good set of kyb struts and lowered springs. That is what I am trying to say.



fair enough, but who gets to decide what "worse handling" means? you? I guarantee if your grandma got into a Lotus Elise she'd say it had the worst handling in the world, whereas someone like Jeremy Clarkson would say it was quite good.....

get my point?

dont come out here starting trouble by generalising and spouting your biased opinions, and then back track when people get their backs up.

have a hard think about why the hell you are (and keep wanting to be) a part of a MAGNA forum. esp if you are going to carry the same attitude that you currently have.

Don't spout at me buddy and get defencive and personal.

I fail to see how my views are bias, but I am happy to just leave it be.

Ok, leave it be, just opinions.

Back on the subject, has the original poster got some new suspension yet???

I put in my new monroe GT gas struts today with kings superlows front and lows rear, and I have to say it handles very well, I dont see much point in going any further at the moment, maybe a strut brace soonish.

But what I am noticing is a bit of understeer? Whats with that?

Understeer at same corner at same speed as before the suspension was modified but did not occur before with std suspension? I hope I make my self understood...?
Perhaps front alignment has changed to worse after lowering? Cos I think super low is so low that it does it?


Ok, leave it be, just opinions.

Back on the subject, has the original poster got some new suspension yet???

I put in my new monroe GT gas struts today with kings superlows front and lows rear, and I have to say it handles very well, I dont see much point in going any further at the moment, maybe a strut brace soonish.

But what I am noticing is a bit of understeer? Whats with that?

But what I am noticing is a bit of understeer? Whats with that?

Since you increased the stiffness of the suspension the car now has less body roll (obviously lol ), but what the previous body roll did do is absorb some of the cornering forces so they where transmitted tot he tyres at a slower rate (leading to progressive understeer).

Since the car has more resistance to body roll, more of the cornering force is transmitted to the tyres (and at a faster rate). So you have to steer a little smoother now to reduce the transition of weight.

Also I highly recommend installing a rear swaybar if you haven't already done so. This will increase the cornering potential allot. Personally this made the single biggest improvement in handling after the lowered springs.:P

Since you increased the stiffness of the suspension the car now has less body roll (obviously lol ), but what the previous body roll did do is absorb some of the cornering forces so they where transmitted tot he tyres at a slower rate (leading to progressive understeer).

Since the car has more resistance to body roll, more of the cornering force is transmitted to the tyres (and at a faster rate). So you have to steer a little smoother now to reduce the transition of weight.

Also I highly recommend installing a rear swaybar if you haven't already done so. This will increase the cornering potential allot. Personally this made the single biggest improvement in handling after the lowered springs.:P

Yep, I think you hit the nail on the head there.
I checked and I dont have a rear sway bar, is it possible to install one though? And what parts would I need for it?

Cheers.

There's a Whiteline rear sway bar kit for 3rd gens that comes with mounting brackets.

cheers,
.wook

Yep, get the adjustable one, so u can play with it to your pref. Cost around 240 bux I think
I have one and to repeat previous comment, the best single suspension mod after springs & shocks.:)


There's a Whiteline rear sway bar kit for 3rd gens that comes with mounting brackets.

cheers,
.wook

Yep, get the adjustable one, so u can play with it to your pref. Cost around 240 bux I think
I have one and to repeat previous comment, the best single suspension mod after springs & shocks.:)
Check out the Phillcom Rally Whiteline products... $220 for the rear adjustable sway bar, plus shipping. The one with the mounting kit is the same price. The part number (with the kit) is BMR69Z.

http://www.aussiemagna.com/forums/showthread.php?t=32747

EDIT: Not sure what sort of tools or mechanical expertise are required to install this kit though. Anyone done this themselves?

cheers,
.wook

Did it a while ago. Normal tools, spanners and sockets. The only tuff bit was to remove the lower suspenion bolt. Needs good extension bar and some biceps. I think it was 17 mm socket. Torque wrench might help when assembling, but - make the original bolts tight.
The clamps to susp arms are not meant to be very tight, follow instructions in the pack.


EDIT: Not sure what sort of tools or mechanical expertise are required to install this kit though. Anyone done this themselves?

cheers,
.wook

Also from personal experience, I'd always get the outer edge of the front tyres wearing out first (due to hard cornering). Since fitting the whiteline front camber bolts (set to -1.0deg.) this is no longer an issue, and front end grip has also improved.

Just get the camber bolts put in the same box as the swaybar to save on postage/delivery charges.lol

Hey Phonic how do those front camber bolts work? I am pretty sure I seen some on a modded excell at a car show.
Are they hard to install?

Hey Phonic how do those front camber bolts work? I am pretty sure I seen some on a modded excell at a car show.
Are they hard to install?

Instead of trying to explain how it works have a read yourself HERE (http://www.whiteline.com.au/docs/bulletins/074_KCA412.pdf), their very straight forward. Although you obviouslly need to get an allignment done to set it correctlly.:P